Blue Knight women fall in MEC opener

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Urbana University women’s soccer fell 2-1 in overtime against Notre Dame College in the mutual MEC opener for both sides Tuesday afternoon at Urbana University Stadium.

The Blue Knights dropped to 0-2 on the year while the visiting Falcons moved to 1-0 following the hard-fought bout between the Ohio rivals.

Notre Dame’s Janelle Bernal buried a breakaway shot for the golden goal two minutes into overtime. The two teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation.

The game was scoreless at halftime before the Falcons drew first blood in the 52nd minute. NDC defender Jackie Corrigan found space in the box and struck a low ball to the bottom left pocket off an assist from Alexis Manoa to make it 1-0.

UU responded five minutes later on a goal from sophomore Emily Garberich. On a set piece from 30 yards out, the Wright State transfer launched a ball off her left to the right upper 90 and just past the diving NDC keeper Kyra McDowell.

The two sides then traded possessions and recorded seven shots on goal each during the final 35 minutes of regulation.

UU keeper Katherine Beech posted two saves as the Blue Knights were outshot 13-8 overall with eight different players recording a shot.

The only shot in overtime came on the final goal. The Falcons held a 10-3 edge on corner kicks.

“It was a very hard-fought game on both sides and that is now two results for us that could’ve gone the other way,” said UU head coach Kevin Mounce. “We’re clearly playing better out there and the girls showed up to play in the league opener. We just need to find a way to break through that one-goal barrier.

“We keep incorporating new players and they’re responding with solid play. I thought we had stand-out play from Kobi Bryant, who played a new position today, and [Alyssa] Garberich came up huge for us on a set piece.”

The Blue Knights continue to struggle against the Falcons. Notre Dame has won 10 meetings between the schools dating back to 2006 while the previous five matchups have been decided by only one goal.

UU will hit the road for the first time this season with two games against MEC opponents. The Blue Knights will take on West Virginia Wesleyan Friday at 5 p.m. in Buckhannon, W. Va., and then head to Fairmont State on Sunday for a 2 p.m. matchup.

Urbana’s Alyssa Garberich puts the ball back into play on Tuesday against Notre Dame College. The Blue Knights fell, 2-1, to their MEC rivals.
https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2017/09/web1_AlyssaGarberich20179519926628.jpgUrbana’s Alyssa Garberich puts the ball back into play on Tuesday against Notre Dame College. The Blue Knights fell, 2-1, to their MEC rivals.

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